I recently had a conversation with a city school leader. He told me about one of his former students whose family was in dire need of basic necessities like clothing and food. You see, the father had been murdered last summer and the family was really struggling financially. This school leader also shared with me how his heart broke for a student who had just lost both parents. He regretted that his family couldn’t adopt this child. And just recently he discovered a family who lost everything in a house fire in June. They now live in a hotel and sleep six in one bed.
In the midst of this heartache, I found some solace in knowing that this man demonstrates the love of Christ to his school, and we, as a community, are able to support him and show students such as these the love of Christ throughout many hardships.
What better occasion to give generously than the birth of our Savior, who came to give of Himself? We are all lost and utterly bankrupt without Him!
Rochester Family Mission serves the same people as the two schools we serve, Schools #10 and #29. The three exist in close proximity to each other in our city. They have specifically asked us for help in making the holidays a little brighter for families in need. What better occasion to give generously than the birth of our Savior, who came to give of Himself to save the least of these and the lost? We are all lost and utterly bankrupt without Him!
We have been asked to provide food for holiday meals (due soon– November 3), new or gently used winter clothing, cereal (for many it’s their child’s “daily bread”), money for holiday turkeys and hams, and toys and gift cards for children at Christmas.
When you look at our list, it may seem like a lot. But it’s actually less than one request per adult who attends Browncroft. We realize not everyone has extra to give this season. So, for those who can, consider giving generously. And if you can’t give materially, perhaps you can give of your time at our upcoming “SEND ME” conference serve opportunities in November! You can help organize the donations, help deliver the packages (it’s a lot!), or even shop for someone else who can’t get out.
Truly giving and serving is a privilege– I am excited to do both! Please click the button below to learn more about these needs and how you can help (and please pay attention to the due dates of each request). We are working hard to collect items ahead of Thanksgiving to serve our community’s needs well. Thank you – and may your holidays be full of gratitude to the One who gave us the greatest gift, the gift of Himself.
